A common question asked at thejapanesenames.com is well, you guessed it! “How to write a Japanese name?” So here we are doing some explaining as we always do so you can speak and write Japanese better.
We have made it easy for you to write your name in Japanese today, for those who wish to do so. Indeed, it is today! This is your one-stop resource for information about Japanese names!
How to Write a Japanese Name
In Japanese, names can be written in four different ways, although the common translation to hiragana or katakana is just phonetic.
This is how non-Japanese people’s names show up in magazines, Wikipedia, and Japanese media. Also, katakana has been greatly expanded compared to the other characters to accommodate non-Japanese sounds better.
Thus, if you wish to be absolutely accurate, convert to katakana via a phonetic translation.
Having said that, there are good reasons to employ one of the other three translation techniques. A typical explanation is just aesthetics.
Because katakana is inherently angular and has straight lines, its calligraphic possibilities are severely restricted.
For instance, there are no cursive fonts in katakana. As a result, women frequently want me to use hiragana, or want it to be written in hiragana which has organically curved and flowing lines.
The name is translated phonetically, not orthographically, using the pronunciation of the name. For instance, in Japanese, the names “Cathy” and “Kathy” are written exactly alike.
The romaji for both is kyashi, which is represented in katakana as キャシー. Conversely, a name spelled the same but pronounced differently will have a different Japanese Naming Custom.
Jan is a fantastic example of this. The most common way to pronounce Jan in America is with a J; in katakana, it would be ジャン (jan). Jan can be pronounced with a Y in Europe, and it would be transcribed as ヤン (yan) in katakana.
Once more, phonetic translations only translate a name’s pronunciation—never its spelling.
But a small secret is that writing a Japanese name on business cards for the Japanese government is a whole different story, therefore we will discuss it in a different article.
Unlike Western cultures where a name follows the given name then surname format, Japanese names have the surname preceding the given name.
But beyond this structural difference, writing a Japanese name presents a unique challenge: the characters used. Japanese uses a combination of three writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
Hiragana is for native Japanese words, Katakana is primarily used for foreign words and names, and Kanji are Chinese characters adopted into the Japanese language, often with multiple pronunciations.
Most Japanese names are written in Kanji characters. However, these characters can have multiple readings depending on the context.
For example, the character (Suzuki 鈴 木), a common Japanese surname, can be read as “Suzuki” or “Suzuuki”. This is called “onyomi” (Chinese reading) and “kunyomi” (Japanese reading) respectively.
While Kanji originated in China and is also used in Korean, the pronunciations and specific characters chosen for names can differ between these cultures.
So, don’t assume a Kanji character in a Chinese or Korean name will be pronounced the same way in a Japanese name.
Here’s a step-by-step approach to writing a Japanese name: Identify the full name, including any honorifics (titles) used in formal contexts.
Separate the surname and given name (remember, the surname comes first). Research the Kanji character readings, consulting a Japanese dictionary or online resources if needed.
Double-check your findings with a native Japanese speaker or a reputable Japanese name translation website, especially for uncommon names.
When writing non-Japanese names, Katakana is typically used to represent the sounds phonetically.
Understanding these writing systems and potential complexities allows you to confidently write a Japanese name.
Remember, consulting a reliable source or native speaker is always a good practice when dealing with names in any language.
StockKanji.com is a useful resource for name translations as it provides the pronunciation of the translated name.
For instance, there are four translations for the name Angel because the pronunciation of Angel can vary greatly.
For instance, the translation anheru and the pronunciation ahn-hel are found in the entry Angel (ahn-hel, anheru). Thus, StockKanji provides easy-to-understand pronunciation guidance along with the name’s pronunciation.
Furthermore, they are delighted to add names to the site for free if they are not already there. Simply say it to them as you pronounce it!
The literal translation employs the name’s meaning, but the phonetic translations use the name’s pronunciation.
Introduction to Katakana
Japanese employs a fascinating mix of three writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Understanding the role each system plays is key to accurately writing Japanese names.
There are three alphabets used in Japanese: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Foreign names are written in Katakana, while Japanese names are written in Kanji.
In order to make foreign names phonetically correspond with Japanese, they are usually written in katakana.
Brad becomes Buraddo (ブラード), Carly becomes Kaarii (カーリー), and Andrew becomes Andoryuu (アンドリュー).
One advantage of writing foreign names in katakana is that it is easy for Japanese readers and speakers to read and pronounce the names, and people can tell just by looking at them that they are foreign names.
Additionally, if your name is quite common, it’s likely that Japanese people are already familiar with the normal katakana spelling of your name.
- Kanji: Most Japanese names are written using Kanji, Chinese characters adapted into the Japanese language. Kanji carries meaning and often has multiple possible readings. A single kanji character, like 子 (Ko, meaning “child”), can be part of many names.
- Katakana: The Key to Foreign Names To capture the sounds of foreign names, the Japanese use Katakana. Names like Andrew (Andoryuu – アンドリュー ) or Carly (Kaarii – カーリー) are spelled phonetically in Katakana. This serves several purposes:
- Approximating Pronunciation: Katakana lets you represent foreign sounds within the limitations of Japanese phonetics.
- Clear Foreign Designation: Katakana visually signals that a name is non-Japanese.
- Common Name Conventions: Many common foreign names have standard Katakana spellings familiar to most Japanese people.
- Katakana Conversion: A Sample Chart
Here’s a quick chart showcasing the comparison between Kanji, Hiragana, and Romaji Forms:
| Hiragana | Katakana | Romanji |
|---|---|---|
| あ | ア | a |
| い | イ | i |
| う | ウ | u |
| え | エ | |
| お | オ | o |
Katakana and Japanese Seals
Although katakana has its advantages in that it can be written rapidly due to its simple, angular lines, it also has limitations in that it does not allow for much artistic freedom.
Although this makes writing katakana easier, most semi-cursive fonts lack a cursive style to match the plain, angular lines.
Consequently, katakana cannot be used to express many of the ideas found in Japanese calligraphy.
There are issues with requiring all non-Japanese names to be written in katakana. The usage of “Seal Script” (tensho) for seals is one prevalent problem.
This script is more challenging to forge since it is curved and intricate. Seal Scripts have been used to write seals for thousands of years because of this property.
The issue lies in the fact that Seal Scripts were designed only for use with kanji, and they were created thousands of years before katakana.
There must be a rule broken in light of this paradox. And once we start breaching the rules, our only option is to refer to previous decisions for guidance. Things start to become intriguing at this point.
I want to make one seal-related thing clear to perhaps dispel any confusion from what I just said. There are two kinds of seals in Japan.
One is known as inkan and is utilized daily. The other is utilized for legal purposes and is known as tenkoku, which translates to “Tensho Carving.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How To Write Japanese Names in Kanji?
To write Japanese names in Kanji, you'll need to research the specific Kanji characters used in that name. Each Kanji can have multiple readings, so choose the reading typically used in names (nanori). Consulting a Japanese dictionary or website specializing in name translations will ensure accuracy, especially for uncommon names.
How To Make Your Japanese Name?
While choosing a legal Japanese name typically involves cultural and family considerations, you can create a fun, personalized "Japanese-style" name by researching Kanji characters with meanings you identify with (e.g., strength, kindness, nature). Consider how the Kanji characters sound together for a harmonious name and use online resources to see if your chosen Kanji combination already exists as a name.
Can Foreigners make their Own Japanese Name?
Yes, foreigners can make their own Japanese names. These are often used for nicknames, social settings, or for artistic purposes. There are two main ways to do this:
- Translate Your Name's Meaning: Find Kanji characters that match the meaning of your given name.
- Phonetic Conversion: Use Katakana to write your name as closely as possible to its original pronunciation.
The Bottom Line
Congratulations! You’ve embarked on a fascinating exploration of Japanese names and unlocked a world of Kanji, Katakana, and the captivating ways these systems interact.
The beauty of Japanese names lies not just in their construction, but in the tapestry of culture and language they represent.
Think of yourself as a linguistic detective – unraveling the meaning behind Kanji characters, like the charming “Ko 子” (meaning “child”), or carefully crafting a Katakana representation of your own name.
Remember, choosing the right Kanji reading, or “nanori,” can sometimes feel like a puzzle. Embrace the challenge, dig into resources, and savor the ‘aha!’ moment when the perfect fit emerges.
Keep in mind, though, that context is key in Japanese. The same Kanji character can carry different meanings and nuances depending on how it’s used within a name.
Don’t be afraid to double-check your findings, especially with those less common names.
A reliable Japanese dictionary or a knowledgeable native speaker can be invaluable in ensuring your chosen characters and readings truly reflect the name you intend.
Think of this as a journey, not just a lesson. As you continue exploring Japanese culture, you might encounter names that seem to bend the rules.
That’s the beauty of language – there are always exceptions, variations, and fascinating bits of history to uncover.
Keep your curiosity alive, continue practicing, and find joy in the ever-evolving art of crafting and understanding Japanese names.